Tag: mobile technology

Foursquare aims to expand some of its services

Location-based services are becoming more popular for businesses and consumers. These services offer benefits for both parties: Businesses can use geographic information to formulate better marketing strategies and consumers can be rewarded for their loyalty to a specific company by “checking-in” to a location. Checking-in to locations is a trend that has taken the social media space by storm. Foursquare is one of the pioneers of this service in the social sector, and the platform is now taking steps to streamline its location-based services.

Platform aims to streamline its practice

Foursquare has announced changes to its terms and conditions documents, which will take effect on January 28, 2013. The social media platform is looking to better streamline its services for businesses and consumers. For years, Foursquare has been one of the most prominent names in social media marketing and location-based services, but other social networks have begun to encroach upon the platform’s virtual turf. In an effort to stay relevant with consumers and businesses, Foursquare is taking steps to provide better service.

New policies could be of benefit to businesses

One of the changes being made to the platform’s privacy policy involves the names of its users. Foursquare will begin showing the full name of each user across its entire platform, allowing this information to be seen by anyone. Users can, of course, opt out of having their full name displayed without being faced with any penalties in terms of service. Another change involves the check-in history businesses can see. Traditionally, businesses could only view check-ins over the most recent three-hour period. After the changes go live, however, businesses will be able to keep better track of their traffic.

Foursquare manages to stay ahead of the competition, for now

The changes may help businesses provide better rewards for consumers that check-in frequently, while also allowing these businesses to access information that can be used for marketing campaigns. In 2012, Foursquare reported more than 15 million new users and celebrated the 3 billionth check-in. While several other social networks are pushing new location-based services, Foursquare continues to hold a solid lead over its competitors.

Mobile gaming continues to grow in China

Online gaming, especially in the mobile space, has been picking up momentum over the past year. More consumers are getting their hands on mobile devices, such as smart phones and tablets, leading them to participate in mobile gaming more actively. In China, the revenue that online gaming generates is expected to reach new highs. Analysys International, a research firm based in Beijing, has released a new report that predicts the growth of the online gaming sector in China.

Half of China’s mobile consumers play mobile games

Many of the mobile device owners in China make use of mobile gaming in one way or another. Most of these games allow players to connect to the Internet and socialize with their friends and other gamers. The social aspects of mobile gaming is one of the reasons these game applications have become popular with consumers. According to Analysys International, China’s mobile gaming industry has tapped into approximately half of the country’s mobile consumers, which has poised the industry for aggressive growth in the future.

Mobile gaming market to reach $11 billion in 2013

Analysys International predicts that China’s online gaming market will reach $11 billion in 2013, driven largely by mobile games. Browser games, a popular pastime for PC owners, are expected to become less prevalent as developers and consumers begin to focus more on mobile gaming. The country’s game industry has been making strides in further enthralling consumers in the world of mobile games. Developers are beginning to focus on introducing 3D elements into their online games.

Mobile games gaining ground all over the world

Online mobile gaming is not only becoming more popular in China. Consumers all over the world are responding well to mobile games of various types. Many enjoy the entertainment they receive from mobile gaming, while others use mobile games simply to pass the time. Whatever the case may be, the worldwide mobile gaming market is expected to see rapid growth in the near future.